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Prepare for Tax Season: Key Changes and Tips for 2025

The tax season is fast approaching, and if you're among the majority of taxpayers, you're likely gearing up to gather all necessary documents for your tax appointment. Your preparation will vary greatly depending on how diligently you've maintained your tax records throughout the year. Regardless of your record-keeping skills, arriving well-prepared will allow us more time to:

  • Identify every potential legal deduction,

  • Assess the income reporting methods and deductions most advantageous for your circumstances,

  • Analyze law changes that may affect your tax situation, and

  • Discuss proactive tax-planning strategies to minimize future liabilities.

Changes to Note for 2025 – The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) introduces several pivotal changes, including:

  • No Tax on Tips: You can deduct up to $25,000 for qualified cash tips in customary tip-receiving occupations, phasing out beyond certain income thresholds.

  • No Tax on Qualified Overtime: Up to $25,000 in overtime pay deductions for married couples filing jointly, with phase-out limits based on MAGI.

  • Vehicle Loan Interest Deduction: Deduct up to $10,000 in interest on loans for new personal-use vehicles, subject to phase-out rules.

  • SALT Deduction Limit: Increased to $40,000, with a phase-down threshold starting at $500,000 MAGI.

  • Super Retirement Catch-Up: Enhanced catch-up contributions for those aged 60-63, providing more robust retirement savings options than previous years.

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  • Child Tax Credit: Raised amounts, now $2,200 with phase-outs at higher income levels.

  • Adoption Credit: Now partly refundable, further supporting families in the adoption process.

  • Section 179 Expensing: Sec 179 limits increased significantly, designed to benefit small and medium-sized enterprises with upfront tax savings.

  • Bonus Depreciation: 100% bonus depreciation made permanent, encouraging immediate deduction of qualifying assets.

  • Business Research or Experimental Expenditures: Domestic expenses now fully deductible; foreign expenses amortized over 15 years.

Optimizing Your Options – The tax regulations allow various approaches for handling income and deductions. Your choices significantly impact both present and future tax years. Consider these areas for greater benefits:

  • Sales of Property: Understand the implications of reporting gains immediately versus over time.

  • Depreciation Strategies: Choose between gradual depreciation or immediate expensing under certain conditions.

Getting Started – Launch your tax preparation early in the year. Establish a secure record-keeping system for all necessary documents. Consistent filing enhances efficiency during appointments or when mailing your documentation.

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Emphasize categories such as income and expenditure separately. Distinguish records for medical expenses, mortgage interest, charitable donations, etc. Highlight any foreign economic engagements to ensure compliance and mitigate severe penalties.

Taxpayers investing in cryptocurrencies must report these as property transactions. Obtain new Form 1099-DA for applicable trades. For marketplace health insurance, include Form 1095-A among your documents, as well as Forms 1095-B, C, if employer-provided.

Keep income statements—like W-2s, 1099s, and K-1s—distinct. When assembling materials, take note of any discrepancies, such as missing 1099s for dividends or year-over-year differences in tax liability.

Comprehensive Review – Maintain personal data accuracy, noting any changes in demographic information. Address marital status shifts and bring relevant legal documents for review. Ensure dependents' information is current and comply with qualifying dependence tests.

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Special situations—stock sales, inherited property, reinvested dividends, home sales—require additional reporting. For new home purchases, provide closing documents. Electric vehicle purchases may yield credits; confirm eligibility with purchase records.

For tax savings, detail energy-related home modifications—like solar installations—and related expenditure certifications. Combat identity theft by notifying us of any suspicions, allowing for IRS involvement when necessary.

Business expenses, especially vehicle-related ones, need separate reporting. Maintain mileage logs, and determine if state deductions apply. Validate charitable contributions with receipts. Unreceipted gifts are non-deductible, while those above $5,000 need extra substantiation.

If unique events occurred that could influence your taxes, reach out for guidance on necessary documentation. For specific assembly assistance, please contact our office.

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